Who is 'leader' Morrison - the uncapped winger in NI squad?

Morrison has been named in the senior Northern Ireland squad for the first time Manager Michael O'Neill has included uncapped Liverpool teenager Kieran Morrison in his Northern Ireland squad for the World Cup play-off semi-final against Italy. The versatile winger has impressed for Liverpool's Under-21s this season with 14 goals, and he has made two senior appearances for Arne Slot's side in cup competitions. O'Neill said that it was the "right time" to include the 19-year-old, who has played for Northern Ireland's youth teams. But who is Morrison and what could he bring to the team ahead of one of their biggest matches in recent years? How Liverpool's Morrison is 'shining' as a leader Ballard included in NI squad as Morrison called up Morrison joined Liverpool's academy from Manchester United in 2019 and has impressed as he has moved through the academy structure. In 2024, he signed a three-year professional contract for the club after a successful scholarship contract, and this season made his first-team debut in the Carabao Cup during Liverpool's defeat against Crystal Palace. He also came off the bench against Wolves in the FA Cup and was part of the match squad who travelled to Istanbul to face Galatasaray as he trains regularly with Arne Slot's squad. In Premier League 2 this season, Morrison has been rewarded for his impressive form with the captain's armband with Liverpool U21 manager Rob Page saying the youngster is "absolutely shining" since becoming captain. "You see him work hard in training and giving him the armband has given him another lift as well," said Page. "Giving him the armband has made him step up and say: 'Well, I can't be the class clown any more and I have to lead by example.' He's doing that and some, and I'm so proud of him." As a result of the impact he has had this season at club level, BBC Sport's Liverpool reporter Aadam Patel is not surprised that he has been included in Michael O'Neill's 28-man squad. "Given the season is having, it wouldn't have come as a big surprise," Patel said. "The numbers he is putting up on PL2 level are really cool and he knows deep down that this or next year is the year that he takes the step up. "This year a lot more people are finding out about him and he knows his qualities. Kieran will be buzzing and excited as he loves playing football." With the likes of Mohammed Salah and Cody Gakpo playing in the same position as Morrison, Patel is unsure if he will get a start in the first team before the end of the season. But he added that he "needs more proper, first team game time" to develop fully. "He has shown he is good enough to be at the squad there and if you can be at the squad at Liverpool, why can't you do it an international level?," Patel continued. "He just needs more proper, first-team game time. He is a leader as well, so he is not going to be shy. "He just needs to show what he can do and keep up with the standards he has set." After being named in his first senior Northern Ireland squad, Morrison, who qualifies through his grandmother, will be hoping to make his debut in the World Cup play-off semi-final in Italy on 26 March. O'Neill said "the time is right to have a look at him" after an impressive Premier League 2 campaign. As well as playing on the right wing, he can also play in midfield and has proven that score goals and, with Northern Ireland's struggles in the final third, that attribute could prove key. "We know the player [Morrison] from his time in our under-19s and under-21s. He's also been around the Liverpool squad in recent weeks, and he's got some minutes for the first team, so he's clearly doing very well," O'Neill said. "You only pick five squads a year as an international manager, so it's important for me to bring young players into the squad. "We have to accelerate players and get them into senior international football, which I believe helps their development at club level." Morrison has played at U19 and U21 level for Northern Ireland During both of his spells as Northern Ireland boss, O'Neill has always tried to integrate youth into the side. Players such as Pierce Charles, Trai Hume, Isaac Price and Justin Devenny were promoted into the squad in recent years and impressing opens the opportunity for fellow young players to follow in their footsteps. Morrison is regarded as one of the most promising youth players to come through the Northern Ireland underage set-up despite making just three appearances for Northern Ireland at under-21 level. He will take encouragement from teammate Conor Bradley, who before his injury was a regular in the Liverpool squad. 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